Great Days Out: Celebrate English Tourism Week with a trip to these top attractions

It’s English Tourism Week. To celebrate, Velvet visits five top local attractions, all part of our area’s Great Days Out group

Ely Cathedral: Globally recognised as ‘one of the wonders of the Medieval world’, this iconic landmark is also a world-famous visitor attraction, a place of worship, an events venue and celebrated Hollywood film location. Discover Ely’s captivating history with a state of the art multimedia tour, or face to face with an expert guide. Enjoy a fascinating tour along the Cathedral’s roofline or climb to the very top of one of the medieval towers. A busy programme of events includes specialist exhibitions, regional fairs, live music & concerts, plus theatrical and literary experiences. Plan your visit: elycathedral.org

Cambridge University Botanic Garden: Whether you’re seeking a relaxing visit, garden inspiration or a chance to explore plants from around the world, there’s something for everyone at one of Cambridge’s most popular visitor attractions. Spanning 40 acres of green space in the heart of the city, a short stroll from the railway station, the heritage-listed landscape offers colour and interest throughout the year. It’s home to 8,000 plant species, including rare and endangered plants supporting research and conservation. Explore seasonal highlights in the Winter Garden, Glasshouse Range and Bee Borders, or enjoy fresh food in the café, family trails, guided tours and more. Plan your visit: botanic.cam.ac.uk

Shepreth Wildlife Park: Nestled in the heart of Cambridgeshire, this hidden gem offers an unforgettable adventure for animal lovers of all ages. Home to tigers, red pandas, otters, lemurs and more, this charming park blends conservation with unforgettable experiences. Walk through immersive habitats, meet rescued and endangered wildlife, and enjoy daily keeper talks and feeding sessions. Kids will love the play areas, while adults can relax in the cafe. As a proud conservation centre, every visit helps support vital wildlife protection efforts. Whether for a family day out or an educational trip, Shepreth Wildlife Park promises a wild and wonderful experience! Plan your visit: sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk

Saffron Walden: Have you ever visited Saffron Walden? If not, please do! You’ll find: an award-winning market (Tuesdays and Saturdays), a great range of independent shops, Bridge End Garden (a restored Victorian garden with hedge maze), the ruins of Walden Castle, Saffron Walden Museum, the Common with Turf Labyrinth, Fry Art Gallery, Saffron Hall and Saffron Screen, St Mary’s Church (the largest parish church in Essex), Audley End House & Gardens (English Heritage), Audley End Miniature Railway, Food Tours (pre-booked). Questions? Contact Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre at 1 Market Place, Saffron Walden CB10 1HR.Plan your visit: visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk

Discover Newmarket & National Horseracing Museum: Known as the home of horseracing, Newmarket is a wonderful mix of history and heritage. Discover Newmarket is the official tourism service and tour guide, giving visitors a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of the Sport of Kings and see equine stars at work (tours from £16.50). Whether you’re a fine art lover, racing enthusiast or simply looking for a new experience, the National Horseracing Museum also provides something for the whole family. Just off the High Street, its five-acre site is home to a wide variety of interactive displays and exhibitions. See what it takes to be a jockey on its simulator and say hello to the resident ex-racehorses, not forgetting the Museum Minis, Kizzy and Harry!Plan your visit: discovernewmarket.co.uk/nhrm.co.uk

Find out more about Great Days Out In and Around Cambridge, a group of 14 local visitor destinations, at greatdaysoutaroundcambridge.co.uk